Prince William was told that the monarchy is “safe in your (his) hands” during Thursday’s visit to Wales.
Hundreds of well-wishers stood for hours beneath umbrellas in torrential rain to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to Llanidloes ahead of St David’s Day on Sunday.
The royal couple halted their vehicle in the downpour to spend time with the gathered crowds, staying longer than scheduled to greet those who had waited to see them.
Jill Christofides, 65, from Newtown, shook William’s hand and told him: “The monarchy is safe in your hands, Sir.”
Prince William is told: ‘The monarchy is safe in your hands’
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One observer characterised the enthusiastic reception as “Walesmania,” with the pair embracing the occasion by accepting local hospitality ranging from traditional Welsh cakes to glasses of cider.
“If I’m offered a glass of cider, I’m having a glass of cider,” William remarked.
The visit featured hugs, selfies, and one young girl in a plastic crown who clung to Catherine’s leg, seemingly unwilling to release her grip.
The enthusiastic welcome provided a moment of respite for the Royal Family following a turbulent period.
Catherine, Princess of Wales took a picture with a group of school boys
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested one week ago, and in recent weeks, public fury over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein has manifested during royal appearances.
Senior royals, including the King, Queen, William and Catherine, have all faced hecklers demanding to know what the family understood about Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with the convicted sex offender.
The Prince of Wales himself confronted the controversy during his Saudi Arabia trip this month, when his spokesman stated that William was “deeply concerned” about allegations involving his uncle.
Given such volatile circumstances, the Welsh engagement represented a considerable gamble that ultimately succeeded.
Catherine, Princess of Wales playing with a young girl during the engagement
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William and Catherine divided their efforts to cover both sides of the street, with the prince collecting daffodils from well-wishers that were intended for his wife.
When a small boy wearing a blue dinosaur coat informed William he was hoping to meet the Princess, the prince personally sought her out and brought her over.
“Very nice to meet you, these are lovely flowers, aren’t they? I love daffodils. Did you get very wet? Thank you for coming to meet us,” Catherine said, crouching down to speak with the child.
Both made light of the weather conditions, with William joking that they “usually brought the sunshine” but had failed on this occasion.
Prince William took a picture with a group of local women
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Catherine noted she had fortunately remembered her umbrella, saying: “Thank goodness someone had reminded me” to bring one.
Earlier in the day, the couple visited The Hanging Gardens community project in Llanidloes, where William enquired about Welsh music recommendations and later told Catherine he had “new music for myplaylist.”
At Oriel Davies art gallery and Hafan yr Afon community centre in Newtown, they spent time with Afghan and Syrian refugee families who had resettled in the area. Seven-year-old Leman Wetti, whose parents came from Syria, presented Catherine with a handmade white necklace.
Asked about his Welsh language abilities, William confessed: “I use Duolingo a lot. I do Swahili on it as well. But my owl is looking very sad at the moment. Not done it for a while.”